Lessons from Los Tuxtlas: 30 Years of Research into Primates in Fragments

Abstract

The region of Los Tuxtlas in the state of Veracruz, southeast Mexico, represents the northernmost limit of tropical rainforest in the Americas and is home to populations of two primate species, the Mexican howler monkey (Alouatta palliata mexicana) and the Mexican spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus). Los Tuxtlas, like many other regions throughout the tropics, has suffered from extensive habitat loss and fragmentation. It was in this region that the alarm was first raised over the threat that forest fragmentation may signify for primates, and where primatologists first began studying how this phenomenon affects wild primate populations. These early efforts have been continued by subsequent generations of primatologists, making Los Tuxtlas one of the most important regions in the world in terms of research into primates in fragments. In this chapter we will analyze the history and development of the studies of primates in fragments in Los Tuxtlas and summarize the main lessons and recommendations that have resulted from these studies. Finally, we will outline the most important gaps in our knowledge in the study of primates in fragments in the region and make some suggestions for future directions for research.